Service, Optimism, Authenticity, and Respect were the four keystones for the 2024 College Theme announced by College Captains Eamon Dempsey and Matthew Gome at our opening College Assembly at the beginning on the year.

In creating the theme, the 2024 Student Leadership Team focused on the Mercy Education Values for their inspiration, zoning in on the values of Service and Respect. The image design this year was a particularly poignant component of the theme. Designed by the Leaders, it purposefully captures the essence of teamwork, highlights how we can continue to build on the 2023 theme, and portrays the link between the four Emmanuel Houses.

Matthew explained:

“The birds shown are flying in a very specific V-formation. When flying in this formation it allows the birds to work as efficiently as possible which allows the birds to SOAR for long periods of time. For the birds struggling to keep up with the load, there is always another one to uplift and support it back into the flock.

“…last year’s theme, ‘Courage to Climb’, can be seen as a watermark in the background. This represents the fact that the Emmanuel College community is constantly evolving and adapting. In 2023, we all took the courage to climb the mountain that was 2023. This year we’ve reached the top of that mountain and as Captains we encourage you to take a leap of faith from the mountain and SOAR. Take flight into 2024 with an open-mindset, and take the year head on, succeeding at all the challenges presented to you.”